SUNDAYS 4 May – 15 June | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
(No class 25 May)
Experience how mindfulness can transform life’s stresses and increase contentment in this 6-week mindfulness course, based on the well-loved, and practical teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh
The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
Overview
Mindfulness encourages a sense of wellbeing moment by moment, as well as being aware of what is happening in the present moment without reacting to it. The course offers a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how it can support many aspects of your daily life.
The wisdom of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced “Tik Nat Harn”) teaches us to find a sense of peace within ourselves, and serenity in the face of suffering. In a supportive community of like-minded people we experience developing more kindness and compassion.
We will introduce and explore new ways of bringing mindfulness into our day, not only in meditation, but also in how we eat, behave, speak to ourselves and others, and take care of ourselves.
Course Content
- Stopping and Calming
- Turning to the Positive
- Loving Communication
- Nourishing Happiness
- Interdependence and Community
- Guidelines for a Happier Life
This Course Offers
— An introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to mindfulness from experienced practitioners. How it works and how to build a mindfulness practice that is stable and self-reliant.
— A sense of support, connection and community by practising and sharing with course participants.
— Understanding ways to cope with life’s stresses, reducing feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, anger and depression by establishing a stable and lasting mindfulness practice.
— Understanding ways to develop a greater sense of wellbeing and inner peace in everyday life as a means of generating compassion, joy and calm for yourself and others.
— Practical exercises to help you bring more awareness to your experiences, understand the importance of rest, and what it means to be more Zen.
— Practical ways to connect more deeply with family and friends by learning the art of compassionate speech and deep listening.
Throughout the course, you will be supported in finding ways to bring mindfulness more fully into your life through formal and informal exercises practised in each session.
We assist you to look at making incremental, sustainable changes to your daily life. This allows you to make time and space for mindfulness and meditation.
We encourage you to look honestly at how you currently operate and to be willing to make adjustments to help you live a more authentic life.
Reported Benefits
- Increased enjoyment of life
- Increased ability to be calm and relaxed
- Increased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety
- Improved sleep quality
- Fewer feelings of anxiety and low mood
Who Can Attend?
This course is suitable for beginners, as well as those with more experience, who wish to gain a fuller understanding of how mindfulness can support calm and peaceful living.
We offer practices originating in Buddhism and supported by neuroscience and psychology that may be utilised by those of all faiths and none.
Practical Information
We will meet in the Surya studio. Reception staff will guide you to it and provide an accessible route to the room if needed.
There is an on site cafe and accessible toilets. Mats, chairs, blocks, cushions, bolsters and blankets will be provided.
We recommend arriving 10 minutes before each class (at 5:20).
In addition to the weekly 2-hour sessions, we encourage finding 20 minutes per day to devote to practising by yourself.
Buses
The nearest bus stops are on Portland Road, just a few minutes walk from the venue.
Car Parking
Parking is available both on-site and on-street nearby.
Pricing
We offer a range of pricing options from £30 – £200 with the intention that the course is available to all. We ask that you pay whatever you can afford, to enable these courses to continue.
Plum Village UK is a charity affiliated to Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village monastery in France, and dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and ethical living.
Course Leader
Letizia Nodari lives in the Northeast and works as a person-centred counselor.
She has practised in the Plum Village Zen tradition since 2002. This training has helped her greatly to deepen her own self-awareness and to inform and enrich her therapeutic interventions.
She has attended retreats regularly to deepen her understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings and increase her ability to incorporate them into her daily life.
During an extended stay at Plum Village Monastery in 2022-23, Letizia was deeply moved by the light-heartedness and joyfulness of the monastic community, and by the depth and stability of their practice. Since then, she has been even more determined to share the transformational energy of this tradition with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. We will be unable to refund you after this time.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes the venue is on the ground floor and reception staff can provide an accessible route to the studio. There is an accessible toilet
Can I follow this course if I am new to meditation?
Yes! We welcome newcomers. You will gain an overview of key teachings, giving you confidence to participate in future groups at sanghas, retreats and Days Of Mindfulness.
What should I bring to class?
Please bring a pen and notebook. Your own blanket or cushion may be useful to aid getting comfortable.
What should I wear?
We suggest dressing casually and comfortably. You may find it helpful to wear several layers, so that you can remove/add a layer to maintain a comfortable body temperature while meditating.
What do I need to do to prepare?
You do not need to prepare anything. Once the course begins, the Course Leader will propose some home practices and routine activities to help you in between classes.
Is this course for all ages?
The course is open to everyone aged 18 and over.
What if I miss a session?
If you are unable to attend a class (for instance, due to illness) please let us know in advance by email. Refer to the handouts for what was covered in the session.
Contact Us
If you have any other questions do please contact us mindfulness-courses@plumvillage.uk
plumvillage.uk/learn-mindfulness
